Studies on biological active component in garlic (Allium scorodoprasm L. or Allium sativum). I. Thioglycoside

Chemopreventive effects of scordinin on diethylnitrosamine and phenobarbital-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male F344 rats

Modifying effects of scordinin, a biological active component in garlic, on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)- and phenobarbital (PB)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis were examined in rats. Male F344 rats, 5 weeks old, were divided into 8 groups. After a week, groups 1 - 5 were given DEN (100 mg / kg body weight, i.p.) once a week for 3 weeks, whereas groups 6 - 8 received vehicle treatment. Group 2 was given 600 ppm scordinin-containing diet in the initiation phase. From 4 weeks after the start of experiment, groups 3 and 5 were fed scordinin, and groups 1 - 3 and 7 received drinking water containing 500 ppm PB. Group 6 was given scordinin diet alone throughout the experiment (24 weeks). The incidences of hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma were significantly smaller in group 3 than those in group 1 (P < 0.005 and P < 0.05, respectively). The average numbers of liver neoplasms in groups 2 and 3 were significantly smaller than in group 1 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive foci were also significantly decreased by scordinin treatment in the initiation or promotion phase. Scordinin significantly decreased the mean number of nucleolar organizer regions' protein (AgNORs) / nucleus in hepatocellular adenoma and carcinoma. AgNORs / nucleus in the non-lesional area was also significantly decreased by scordinin treatment during the promotion phase. These results suggest that scordinin is a promising chemopreventive agent for liver neoplasia.

The biochemical role and hypocholesterolaemic potential of the legume Cassia fistula in hypercholesterolaemic rats

The hypocholesterolaemic effect of Cassia fistula was investigated using hypercholesterolaemic male albino rats. Hypercholesterolaemia was induced by feeding on a mixture of cholesterol plus cholic acid for a 12 weeks period. Hypercholesterolaemia was characterized by significant increase in the average levels of total lipids, total cholesterol, and triglycerides and significant decrease in phospholipids content. Administration of Cassia fistula significantly reduced blood and liver total lipids. Brain, spleen, kidneys and heart followed nearly the same trend but with moderate effect. Blood, liver, kidneys, spleen and heart total cholesterol was significantly reduced, while that of brain was not affected. The level of triglycerides was markedly improved. There was a moderate rise, however, in phospholipids content in all studied organs. That is to say a marked progress in the correction of lipid metabolism occurred. Also, administration of Cassia fistula induced a significant decrease in the high activities of serum GOT, GPT, alkaline and acid phosphatase and the values nearly returned the initial values. Total serum protein, albumin (A), globulin (G), A/G, free amino acids, uric acid and creatinine were also determined and their values were improved and attained nearly the normal values of the control group.